How to Preserve Pomelos for Months and Keep Them Fresh for Tet

Pomelos are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a popular fruit during holidays and special occasions. Especially during Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), pomelos are considered an essential fruit — both for offerings on the ancestral altar and for enjoying with family gatherings.

However, keeping pomelos fresh for several months until Tet can be challenging if not stored properly. Below are simple yet effective methods to preserve pomelos naturally while maintaining their freshness, color, and flavor.

1. Preserve Pomelos with Dry Sand

One of the most traditional and reliable methods to preserve pomelos for a long time is by using dry sand.

Start by selecting a clean, dry area and spread a piece of cardboard on the floor. Then pour a layer of dry sand over it and begin arranging the pomelos in neat rows.

Place the larger fruits at the bottom and the smaller ones on top, stacking no more than two layers to prevent bruising or cracking the ones underneath.

Dry sand helps absorb moisture, preventing mold and rot, while also helping the fruit retain its natural aroma and sweetness for up to 4–6 months.

💡 Tip: Make sure the sand remains dry during storage. If you notice any dampness, replace the top layer immediately.

2. Preserve Pomelos with Lime Paste

A quick and easy method to keep pomelos fresh until Tet is to apply lime paste (slaked lime) on the fruit stem.

Lime has strong alkaline and antibacterial properties, which can effectively prevent bacterial growth. The stem area of a pomelo is often where bacteria and mold first develop, leading to decay.

Instead of coating the entire fruit, simply dab lime paste onto the stem area to sterilize it. Once done, place the pomelos on layers of cardboard or paper, making sure not to stack them in multiple layers.

Keep the fruits in a dry and airy corner of your house, away from water and humidity. This simple method can help keep pomelos looking and tasting fresh for several weeks.

3. Preserve Pomelos Using Plastic Bags

After harvesting or purchasing pomelos, wait for about 5–10 days before treating them. Then, apply lime water or lime paste to the stem area. This step blocks microorganisms from entering through the stem and damaging the fruit from the inside.

Next, place each pomelo into a separate plastic bag, tie it tightly, and store it in a cool, dry place. This minimizes the fruit’s exposure to air and moisture, slowing down dehydration and spoilage.

When stored this way, pomelos can stay fresh for weeks, with their skins remaining smooth and shiny.

4. Preserve Pomelos on a Bamboo Rack

If you have a bamboo rack at home, you can also use it for bulk storage.

Move the rack to a cool, ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Arrange the pomelos neatly on the rack, maintaining about 30 cm (12 inches) of space between each layer to ensure good airflow.

This method helps preserve pomelos for 1–2 months. However, due to environmental factors like humidity and temperature, the fruit may gradually lose its original flavor after this period. Therefore, it’s best to consume pomelos within two months for the best taste and texture.

5. Preserve Pomelos Using Mesh Bags

If you need to store or transport a large number of pomelos, using mesh bags is a practical solution.

First, punch several small holes around a foam or cardboard box to enhance ventilation. Then, wrap each pomelo in a mesh bag and place them inside the box.

This method allows the fruits to “breathe” while minimizing direct contact and pressure during transportation, reducing the risk of bruising or rot.

Remember to check the pomelos regularly — if any bag feels damp or a pomelo becomes soft, replace the bag and separate the affected fruit immediately to prevent mold from spreading to the others.

6. Storing Pomelos Under the Bed

In the past, people often rolled pomelos under a bed in a dry, shaded area. The darkness helps slow bacterial growth and prevents sunlight from damaging the fruit’s skin.

However, you should still inspect them regularly — if you notice any soft or spoiled fruits, remove them right away to prevent contamination.

7. Keeping Pomelos Fresh and Green for Offerings

For pomelos used in altars or offerings, maintaining a vibrant green skin and round shape is very important.

Choose a dry, cool corner and place three bricks on the floor to create airflow beneath. Set a cardboard box on top, then pour in a 5–7 cm layer of dry sand.

Arrange the pomelos on this layer, then cover them with another layer of sand. Repeat the process until the box is full, and finally cover the top with a 20 cm layer of sand.

This method keeps the pomelos looking green, glossy, and perfectly shaped for 1–2 months, ideal for decorative and ceremonial purposes.

8. How to Choose the Best Pomelos

To get the best results from any preservation method, start by choosing high-quality fruits:

• Pick pomelos with smooth, shiny, slightly yellow-green skin.

• The fruit should feel heavy and firm, indicating juiciness.

• Tap lightly on the peel: a “pop-pop” sound means the peel is thick; a “clack-clack” sound suggests a thin peel and a juicier fruit.

• Look at the skin bumps: large, spaced-out bumps indicate a ripe, flavorful pomelo, while small, dense bumps suggest an unripe, sour one.

For popular varieties like green-skinned (Da Xanh) or Nam Roi pomelos, choose fruits weighing around 1 kg or more, with tight, shiny skin and a slight yellow hue.

Final Tip

Pomelos are not just a symbol of prosperity and happiness during Tet but also a refreshing, vitamin-rich fruit that supports digestion and boosts immunity. With a few simple preservation tricks, you can enjoy sweet, juicy pomelos for months — even long after the harvest season has ended.